Flight Day Takes Off At Renbrook

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Students explored the science of flight while working with model planes,… (Michael Fiedler )

May 09, 2013|Mercedes Maskalik, Renbrook School, West Hartford

On May 3, Neal Keating, chairman, president and chief executive officer at Kaman Corporation descended on Renbrook's Williams Field in Kaman's HH-43 "Husky" helicopter, piloted by Chief Helicopter Test Pilot Frank Gallagher. Mr. Keating is a current parent and trustee at Renbrook School. His arrival, eagerly observed by students, faculty, and staff, kicked off Flight Day 2013.

"Flight Day is an amazing opportunity for professionals in the aerospace field to share their passion with our students," Head of School Armistead Webster says. The event began in 2010 and includes several aviation workshops and flight-centered experiential learning activities. Throughout the day, students enjoyed the up-close experience of exploring the cockpit and structure of the HH-43 helicopter.

Workshops included presentations by Pratt and Whitney's Jack Connors, former vice president of the Advanced Engine Program, and Cliff Stone, program director of the F135 Engine. Neal Keating, Frank Gallagher, and Tom Rutledge, manager of New Product Development at Kaman, spoke to students about piloting and the structural engineering behind various aircraft.

With help from members of the Simsbury Radio Control Club, students explored lift, thrust, weight, and drag while working with remote-controlled planes and flight simulators in another workshop. The student's aviation experience was further heightened by the opportunity to explore the science behind rocket propulsion with Bill Geist of the New England Air Museum, who supervised the launching of water rockets.

"We celebrated our collective fascination with flight and the engineering marvels from the aerospace industry," Howard Wright, dean of students and science department head remarks.

Renbrook's long history of flight dates back to 1957, when the estate of Faye B. Rentschler and Frederick B. Rentschler, co-founder of Pratt and Whitney Aircraft, became the campus of Renbrook School. The school's Globe Foyer is an exhibition that features the connection between Rentschler, Pratt and Whitney, flight, and Renbrook School. A Pratt and Whitney WASP engine, donated to the school by George David, former chairman and CEO of United Technologies Inc., is the central focus of the exhibit.

Renbrook's new program, the Rentschler Pioneers, was developed in 2012 in honor of Frederick B. Rentschler. The program aims to inspire and cultivate student interest in aerospace, aviation, and engineering for students. The program provides connections to several corporations and organizations in the aviation field, including Kaman Corporation, Pratt and Whitney, Sikorsky Aircraft, The New England Air Museum, and the Simsbury Radio Control Club.